A couple of days back, we had reported on the possibility of Piranha 3DD going direct-to-video in the UK, and were worried about what this would mean for theatrical release plans in the US. Thankfully, Piranha 3DD co-writer Patrick Melton has provided us with a status update, clearing up some misconceptions about the film's delay and confirming that a US theatrical release is still planned:

Patrick Melton:"To clarify, the Thanksgiving release was always overly optimistic. Marcus and I started writing the script around Thanksgiving a year prior. Making the film within that time period is plausible (we've done it on Saw, obviously), but it became clear very early on that our goals were not realistic because we needed sun, water slides, and bikini-clad coeds… three things not very prevalent in the United States during the months of January and February. We initially scouted Louisiana and realized that we wouldn't be able to shoot until late March because of the cold weather. Now, with the additional FX worked needed to create/enhance the piranhas, the Thanksgiving release was out the window.

Nevertheless, we plowed on and finished shooting in late May. Over the summer, Gulager edited and picked up a few shots around Los Angeles. This is typical of every movie made. Scenes, jokes, and kills were simply enhanced to make the movie more of an event. About a month ago, it was tested and scored very well. So well the studio gave us more money to enhance the FX. Soon, it'll be done and ready for a theatrical release. Because of the "Spring Break vibe" in the film, spring was the obvious time to open it. And because Dimension Films financed the movie and owns the movie, they call the shots on when it's released worldwide.

So, that's the long and short of it. All good. In theaters this spring. See you then."

“Having awoken from their spring break extravaganza at Lake Victoria, the swarm heads upstream where they look to make a meal out of Big Wet, a local water park where when it comes to fun, nobody does it wetter! Thought they came to get wet, get loaded and get some, the staff and patrons get more than they bargained for when they must face the fiercest, most bloodthirsty piranhas yet. Lead by the strong-willed, studious Maddy and her friends, Barry and Kyle, the trio must dive in and take on these man-eating creatures using every ounce of their being…but can they be stopped?”